Christmas in Southern Provence

Christmas in Southern Provence - 7 nights from £1,095pp

Escape to the south of France this Christmas to follow in the footsteps of artists, writers and royalty through the dramatic hill towns, chic cities, glamorous resorts and fantastic scenery of southern Provence. Based in the delightful provincial capital, Aix, enjoy the region's rich artistic heritage with an easy going touring itinerary that includes Marseille, Arles, Les Baux, Bandol, Cassis and the spectacular Calanques.

What's Included

Return Eurostar and TGV trains from London St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Aix-en-Provence via Lille

Seven nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Aquabella Hotel in Aix, based on shared occupancy of twin room

First night dinner at the hotel

Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day festive lunch at the hotel

Transfers and full touring itinerary conducted by tour manager

Tour manager throughout

Itinerary

Day 1

Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Lille and onwards to Marseille by TGV. On arrival transfer by coach to Sanary-sur-Mer (approx. 1 hour) and the Soleil et Jardin Hotel to check-in for seven-night stay on bed and brakfast basis.

Day 2

Full day tour to Saint-Tropez and Grimaud. Saint-Tropez has long been the glamorous playground for the rich and famous, having started out as a Bohemian hangout in the early 20th century for artists such as Matisse, Dufy, Signac and Bonnard – you can see some of their art in the Musée de l‘Annonciade. Despite its popularity with tourists, Saint-Tropez has managed to maintain its Mediterranean charms. The picturesque hill village of Grimaud is a legacy of the ubiquitous Grimaldi family and is dominated by its 12th century castle ruins. Offering lovely coastal views, its position made it an ideal place for the Knights Templar to watch for invasions.

Day 3

Full day tour to Toulon and Hyères. Toulon is France’s second-largest naval port thanks to its fine natural harbour. The daily produce market on Cours Lafayette is lovely for a browse and the Quai Cronstadt is a great place to watch the world go by. The oldest resort on the French Riviera, the town of Hyères is gathered around the Castle of Saint Bernard which sits on a hilltop four kilometres from the sea. The palm-tree-and-Belle-Époque-buildinglined streets once hosted luminaires such as Robert Louis Stevenson, Edith Wharton and Queen Victoria.

Day 4

Full day tour to Bandol, Cassis and the Calanques before Christmas Eve dinner at a local restaurant. The cheerful Mediterranean resort of Bandol is best known for its excellent red wine which has been produced here since 600BC. Unusually, it is often served cold. Cassis has managed to retain its small fishing village charms and has remained largely unaltered since it attracted painters such as Signac and Derain in the early 20th century. Along the coastline between Marseille and Cassis, the turquoise sea has pummelled the limestone cliffs into a series of deep, dramatic inlets – the Calanques. The best way to view this beautiful area is from the sea and there are plenty of boat trip options if you would like to.

Day 5

Free day to relax and enjoy Sanary at your leisure, with Christmas Day festive dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6

Full day tour to Aix-en-Provence. The elegant city of Aix-en-Provence is immediately attractive with its medieval centre a knot of grand architecture and atmospheric lanes, peppered with fountained squares. Home to artist Paul Cézanne, you will find his studio preserved exactly as he left it on his death in 1906. There are many lovely cafes to sit in and watch the world go by along the Cours Mirabeau.

Day 7

Full day tour to Marseille. The cosmopolitan city of Marseille has gone through a renaissance in recent years to the point that it was European City of Culture in 2013. The best way to enjoy the city is to wander along streets of terracotta roofed houses and enjoy the vibrant fusion of cultures. Sights here include the renowned fish market, the old harbour, Chateau d’If, setting for Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, 11th century Abbey of St Victor, Cathédrale de la Major and several excellent museums including the Musée des Beaux Arts and Archaeology Museum.

Day 8

Travel by TGV from Marseille to Lille and onwards by Eurostar to St Pancras.

Aquabella Hotel, Aix-en-Provence

The Aquabella Hotel is an impressive, modern four-star spa hotel, located in the centre of town within walking distance of most of the main sights. L'Orangerie restaurant offers excellent cuisine, and it is here where you will enjoy your Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day lunch. Superb spa facilities combine with an extensive fitness centre to offer guests a range of fantastic facilities for their leisure. The hotel bar provides a relaxed environment to enjoy a cocktail after a long day. Rooms are comfortable and contemporary with private bath/shower, air-conditioning, TV, telephone, minibar and hairdryer.